The meeting offered an update on the transition to electric buses, where it was disclosed that the city of Morris and Arrowhead Transit had previously applied for a similar grant in 2021 and expected their buses by early 2025. This comparison highlighted the widespread industry challenges, namely manufacturing issues and a lack of producers capable of meeting the demand for electric buses. The committee considered visiting Morris to observe their electric buses and related infrastructure.

A point of discussion involved the Elixir building, which is intended to serve as a storage and operational center for the new buses. The purchase of this former mobile home manufacturing facility is nearing completion, with plans to retrofit it to include charging facilities and other necessary infrastructure upgrades. The grant will cover these adaptations. Planning is underway to ensure that the building’s design, which includes one-way traffic flow and designated entry and exit points, does not compromise future usability.

The council also addressed the training required for city mechanics and emergency personnel to operate and maintain the electric buses, with assurances that grant funding will cover these initiatives. Emphasis was placed on training new hires for both the Herman and Heartland services to maintain operational flexibility as the city integrates electric buses into its fleet.

Progress in the Herman transit service ridership was another topic of discussion of the meeting. Ridership statistics, presented by Sarah, showed a steady increase from June 2022, with numbers rising from 401 in June to 506 in November and averaging about 450 riders monthly. This growth is attributed to successful outreach efforts that have attracted new users from various locales, including Oakwood Estates and local truck drivers.

The council also discussed the need for bus stop shelters, particularly as winter approaches. While maintenance agreements with the city for these shelters are still being finalized, the committee recognized the discomfort faced by residents and visitors waiting in cold weather. Options for shelters range from fully covered structures to simpler lean-tos, highlighting a focus on enhancing the transit experience.

Attention was also given to snow removal at bus stops. Acknowledging the seasonal challenge, the council appreciated efforts to plan for weather-related service interruptions. The installation of concrete pads and shelters at key bus stops is part of an ongoing dialogue to better serve the community’s transit needs.

Further enhancing the city’s transportation infrastructure, the council discussed the installation of new armor radios funded through a federal grant. These upgrades, requiring minimal local financial input, have improved communication clarity among drivers, reducing transmission overlaps and streamlining operations.

A bus being transferred to the fire department for emergency management training exercises was also mentioned, with plans to utilize the vehicle in upcoming sessions. The council was advised to consider potential funding challenges beyond 2026, with concerns about a “fiscal cliff” affecting state funding from 2028 to 2030. As a precaution, the importance of building financial reserves was emphasized to ensure the sustainability of transit services.

The council continues to explore the operational capacities of electric buses, with discussions on whether two buses can be used simultaneously for all-day service without relying on gas-powered alternatives.